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China Backs North Korea's Heir Apparent Kim Jong Un

Catherine Green |
December 20, 2011 | 10:13 a.m. PST

Executive Producer

The recently deceased Kim Jong Il, earlier this year. (Presidential Press and Information Office/Wikimedia Commons)
The recently deceased Kim Jong Il, earlier this year. (Presidential Press and Information Office/Wikimedia Commons)
North Korea's heir to the Kim Jong Il throne received a weighty endorsement Tuesday from China, setting up the relative unknown for a cooperative future with the ally nation.

From Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said the country has "faith" in Kim John Un.

Voice of America reported:

He said Beijing believes the North Korean people will tightly unite around the ruling Worker's Party led by a man he called “Comrade Kim Jong Un,” to build a strong Communist country and realize permanent peace on the Korean peninsula.

The spokesman at first said he had no information about whether Kim Jong Un would visit China. But later, he said Beijing would welcome him.

Liu says China and North Korea have always maintained high-level visits. He says the Chinese government welcomes the North Korean leader to visit when it is convenient for both sides.

Little is known so far about Kim Jong Il's third son. "The Great Successor" Kim Jong Un is believed to be 28 years old, but according to another report by Voice of America, his marital status, birthdate and mother are all unknown. It's thought that he was educated in Switzerland and at North Korea's Kim Il Sung University.

He was named a four-star general one year ago, rising in the ranks and accruing more power since then.

From Voice of America's report:

Kim Jong Un is believed to be skillful in using computers and other forms of technology. He also is described by a longtime family chef, in a memoir, as competitive and ruthless.

The elder Kim presented Jong Un as his successor a year ago, appointing him to top government posts. Over the past year, Kim Jong Un regularly accompanied his father on trips around the country. And he steadily built his political clout by reportedly becoming involved in domestic and foreign policy, and securing a position in the ruling Workers' Party.

Kim Jong Un was presented to the world last year at a massive military parade marking the 65th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, saluting troops by his father's side in an appearance captured live by international media.

North Korea's heir apparent paid his respects in front of his father's casket Tuesday. Kim Jong Il's body was on display at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang Tuesday. The funeral is scheduled for Dec. 28 to allow time for a period of national mourning. Foreign delegations will reportedly not be allowed to attend.

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